In a remarkable display of generosity, a group of Cubans led by activist Norge Ernesto Díaz Blak, widely known on social media as Noly Black, successfully gathered resources to secure a home for a mother facing dire poverty in Banes, Holguín. The residence, purchased for 200,000 pesos, offers a chance to significantly enhance the living conditions for the young woman and her family, who previously resided in a makeshift shelter lacking walls and basic amenities, as shared by Black on his Facebook profile.
Black extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this cause, underscoring the collective effort and kindness of many: “I am grateful to all those wonderful people who helped me assist this young woman from the municipality of Banes. I am thankful to all of you,” he expressed with emotion while documenting the home's handover.
The recipient, visibly moved, expressed profound gratitude to all those involved in making this transformation possible: “Thank you, thank you so much for the home you provided. I appreciate it with all my heart.” This act of kindness not only brings a significant change to this family's life but also highlights the resilience of the Cuban community to come together and support those in need, even during challenging times.
Facing Challenges: A Mother's Struggle
In a previous post, the mother revealed her daughter suffers from microcephaly, cerebral palsy, and experiences seizures. She also showcased the dire state of their previous dwelling, which barely had walls and lacked basic facilities.
Noly Black, renowned for his efforts in assisting people in extreme poverty in Holguín, recently aided an elderly woman living in deplorable conditions with her husband in Escondida, a rural area 90 kilometers from the city. During his visit, the woman admitted to feeling dizzy from hunger.
The Broader Picture: Poverty in Cuba
In July, the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights unveiled its VII Report on the State of Social Rights in Cuba 2024, indicating that "89% of Cuban families are suffering from extreme poverty," a percentage point higher than the previous year and 13% more than in 2022. A particularly striking statistic shows that “7 out of 10 Cubans have skipped breakfast, lunch, or dinner due to financial constraints or food shortages.”
This alarming situation was also flagged by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), which included Cuba in its report on child nutrition. UNICEF disclosed that 9% of Cuban children endure severe food poverty, meaning they have access to only two out of the eight essential food items necessary for a healthy life.